作者： admin

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds across Jamaica, most residents sought refuge indoors or in shelters. However, the neighborhoods of Arnett Gardens and Trench Town defied the storm’s fury, continuing a unique local tradition known as the ‘ackee war.’ Despite the hazardous weather, scores of young people gathered outdoors to engage in the spirited game, showcasing resilience and community spirit. ‘The storm can’t stop us. We are water ourselves. We’re out here playing ackee war and enjoying ourselves—no violence,’ one resident proudly declared. ‘Every storm, we’re out here, just love and love alone.’ The friendly competition pitted Arnett Gardens against Trench Town residents, highlighting a tradition that thrives even in the face of adversity. This event underscores the deep-rooted cultural practices and unity within these west Kingston communities, offering a glimpse into how they turn challenges into moments of joy and camaraderie.

In response to the impending threat of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has introduced a new incident response form to facilitate local reporting of storm-related observations. The JDF emphasized that this initiative is designed to gather critical information rather than prompt immediate emergency responses. Residents facing life-threatening situations are advised to contact emergency services directly by dialing 119. For non-urgent incidents, individuals are encouraged to complete the form, detailing the type of event, the parish and specific location of occurrence, and the severity of the situation. Additionally, users can upload photos and specify the date and time of the incident. The JDF highlighted that the collected data will significantly enhance response coordination and may be shared with other government agencies to assess the extent of damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. A screenshot of the incident report website has been made available to guide users through the process.

In Kingston, Jamaica, a significant traffic disruption has occurred on Arthur Wint Drive, close to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. The cause of the blockage is a fallen electricity pole, which has rendered the road impassable. Authorities have promptly advised motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the affected area. The incident has raised concerns about potential delays for emergency vehicles and hospital access. Local officials are working to clear the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow. Further updates on the situation are expected as efforts to resolve the issue continue.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa continues to unleash severe flooding and storm surges across Jamaica, many residents have sought refuge in emergency shelters. However, one man, Junior from Shooters Hill in St Andrew, is already contemplating a return to his home after spending less than a day at the National Arena in Kingston. Junior, who arrived at the shelter on Monday night, expressed his urgency to return to his five-bedroom house to address pressing responsibilities. ‘I have so many things to attend to, including my animals and property. I live alone, and my brother isn’t there to help,’ he explained. ‘If my brother were there, I’d be okay, but there’s no one to manage things. I need to fix issues before they worsen.’ Junior emphasized that being at home would enable him to make necessary repairs to mitigate further damage from the hurricane. Adding to his distress, he claimed he was falsely accused of opening a gate at the shelter when he was merely attempting to secure it. ‘It’s a time for love now. I want to go home and show love to others. They don’t accept it here,’ he lamented. Despite the ongoing storm, Junior’s determination to protect his property highlights the personal challenges faced by those displaced during natural disasters.